Term life insurance isn't just for young families. Many people in their 60s still have a mortgage, a spouse who depends on their income, or debts they don't want to leave behind. Term can cover those needs for a set number of years, often for less than permanent coverage.
Can you still get term after 60?
Yes. Many term plans accept new applicants in their 60s, and some up to about age 75, with health questions or an exam. The older you are, the shorter the terms you can choose. A 20-year term is often available into your 60s with good health. Past about 70, 10 and 15-year terms are more common.
Good reasons to buy term after 60
A mortgage
Make sure the house is paid off if you pass before the loan is.
Your spouse's income
When one spouse dies, the household often loses part of a pension or one of two Social Security checks. Term can fill that gap.
Debts
Car loans, credit cards, or a loan you co-signed for a child.
Family who depends on you
Kids still at home, grandkids you help raise, or a family member you support.
How long a term to choose
| Term length | Good fit for |
|---|---|
| 10 years | Shorter needs, like a loan with a few years left. Usually the lowest price. |
| 15 years | A popular middle ground for a mortgage or income gap. |
| 20 years | Longer needs. Often available into your 60s with good health. |
Match the term to the need. If your mortgage has 12 years left, a 15-year term covers it with room to spare.
When term isn't the right fit
- You want coverage for your whole life. Final expense whole life lasts your whole life and the price is locked in.
- You want to stay covered past 80. Look at permanent coverage, or a term policy with a conversion option.
- You mainly want your funeral covered. A smaller final expense policy usually fits better than term.
Not sure which kind fits? Here's final expense vs. term vs. whole life side by side.
Ask about conversion
Many term policies can be converted to permanent coverage later without new health questions, usually up to a certain age or year of the policy. If your health changes, that option can be worth a lot. Ask about the conversion deadline before you buy. Here's what happens when term life ends.
Before you apply
Know your number
Add up the mortgage, debts and income your family would need. Here's how.
Apply before your next birthday
Prices go up each year, and the term lengths you can choose get shorter.
Don't stop at the first no
One company's decline or graded offer can be another company's full coverage. That's the main reason to work with an independent agent who checks several companies at once.
Answer honestly
If the application isn't accurate, the company may have grounds to deny the claim later, which is the one thing your family can't afford.
In your 60s or 70s and want to see your term options?
On a free call I'll ask a few questions, compare term and permanent options from several companies, and show you which length fits your need. Licensed in Arizona. By phone or video, no obligation.
Common questions
Can I get term life insurance at 65?
Yes. Many companies offer 10, 15 and often 20-year terms at 65, depending on your health.
What is the oldest age to buy term life insurance?
Many term plans accept new applicants up to about age 75, usually with 10 or 15-year terms at that age. Some stop sooner.
Is term or whole life better over 60?
It depends on the need. Term fits a need with an end date, like a mortgage. Whole life fits needs that last for life, like final expenses.
Do I need a medical exam for term over 60?
Not always. Some term plans use health questions and records only. Larger policies and older ages more often need an exam.
What happens when my term ends?
The coverage stops unless you convert it, renew it at a higher price, or buy a new policy. Many term policies let you convert to permanent coverage without new health questions before a deadline.
What if I don't live in Arizona?
I'm licensed in Arizona today and adding more states soon. Send a quote request anyway and I'll let you know as soon as I can help in your state. In the meantime, the free guide walks you through how much coverage you need.
Nick Brown is an independent life insurance agent with NJN Insurance, licensed in Arizona (License 19720244). He compares plans from several companies and explains them clearly. NJN stands for Not Just a Number.